1984 anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar’s anticipatory bail upheld

British Sikhs take part in a march and rally in central London June 7, 2015. On the 31st anniversary of the killing of Sikhs during riots in India in 1984, the campaigners were highlighting what they say is continued repression and suppression of the Sikh religion and identity in India. REUTERS/Toby Melville

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday upheld a trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two anti-Sikh riots cases of 1984.

Justice Anu Malhotra dismissed the plea by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the riots cases, saying that as per the records, Kumar was available throughout the investigation.

According to media reports, it also said that the SIT was not able to make out any ground for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar.

Earlier on February 15, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee submitted two CDs against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with his alleged involvement in regards to the same case.

The court also reprimanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its slow investigation into the case. The court also directed Superintendent of Police (SP) to file a status report on February 24.

Badal, along with Gujral, urged the Home Minister to initiate a probe into the matter.

Akali Dal leader Manjit Singh GK earlier claimed of having a CD, in which Tytler admitted his role in the riots.

According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. (ANI)